Treadmill Slats with Integrated Lighting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized and manual treadmills pose safety risks due to their moving treads, which can continue to operate after users step off, and lack effective alerts for nearby individuals, and also fail to provide clear information to users or observers.
Innovation Solution
A treadmill with a lighting system integrated into the slats, controlled by a controller to emit light and convey information, including alerts and biometric data, and a locking and braking system to manage tread movement based on user presence and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display screen is used to show information to users, then information can be conveyed, but the display may be ineffective in relaying information to users or observers while the user is operating the treadmill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional display screens with a lighting system that uses illuminated slats and light patterns to convey information. This substitution transforms the information delivery mechanism from electronic display to optical signaling, making information visible and perceivable during treadmill operation without requiring users to focus on complex display interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system utilizes different colors and illumination patterns of the slats to convey various types of information. By changing the color or illumination state of specific slats, the system can communicate different messages to users and observers, providing effective information delivery through visual cues that are easily perceived during exercise
2Productivity
If the tread continues to move after the user steps off, then the treadmill operates efficiently, but it creates safety risks as users or unauthorized individuals may step onto the moving tread
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system activates before the tread begins moving or when motion is detected, providing advance warning to potential users or bystanders. This preliminary action allows individuals to recognize the treadmill is in operation and avoid stepping onto the moving tread, preventing accidents while maintaining efficient operation
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminated slats serve as an intermediary warning mechanism between the moving tread and potential users. The light signals act as a mediator that communicates the hazardous state of the moving tread to observers and users, enabling them to take appropriate caution without directly interacting with the dangerous moving component
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances safety by alerting nearby individuals to moving treadmills and providing clear information, while ensuring the treadmill only operates when an authorized user is present, thereby preventing accidents and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded carbon brush associated with a respective power disk, each spring-loaded carbon brush attached to a fixed part of the treadmill and in physical contact with the respective power disk, each spring-loaded carbon brush electrified by a primary power source and in turn electrifying the respective power disk
Implementation Method 2
a light positioned on at least one slat, wherein the light is configured to emit light from the slat or through adjacent slats
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for a treadmill comprising front power disks positioned at each end of a front axle, rear power disks positioned at each end of a rear axle, a spring-loaded carbon brush associated with a respective power disk, each spring-loaded carbon brush attached to a fixed part of the treadmill and in physical contact with the respective power disk, each spring-loaded carbon brush electrified by a primary power source and in turn electrifying the respective power disk, and a first conductor connected to at least one slat of the multiple slats and a second conductor connected to the at least one slat, the first conductor and second conductor in electrical communication with a light on the at least one slat and in contact with one of the front power disks or the rear power disks.